So confused
 

I'm real confused on Lipos and I've read what I can, but here's what I need help on:

1. Do I need an DC charger?

2. What are some good chargers to look at in the 130 range?

3. Can I use True RC 8000 mah packs if they're 10-15c?

4. Do I need a balancer?

5. Can I bash with these?

5. How can I make a batt tray? Where can I buy one if I can't get materials?


Thanks a ton guys. :mdr:

1. Do I need an DC charger?

All chargers are DC actually. Some just have and AC/DC supply built in. I would recommend getting a DC power supply. That makes finding a charger much easier (and cheaper). You can use a cheap computer power supply if you want. I have one from geeks.com that is rated over 20A and it was $15 on sale. It is built really cheap though :lol: and I have not got it going yet.

2. What are some good chargers to look at in the 130 range?

ICE comes to mind... most other good chargers I can think of will cost at least a little more. ($160-200 range)

3. Can I use True RC 8000 mah packs if they're 10-15c?

Yep... for all but the most extreme uses.

4. Do I need a balancer?

Not really, but it's recomended. You can check the voltages manually (to see if they are out of balance)... and even balance them manually(by charging/discharging the each cell individually). But a balancer is much easier, IF you have a pack that needs balancing.

5. Can I bash with these?

Sure

5. How can I make a batt tray? Where can I buy one if I can't get materials?

Velcro straps like the Gorilla straps that rcmonster sells... and maybe side guards made from simple aluminum angle.

Thanks a lot Glassdoctor!

2. What are some good chargers in the 130 range?

If your willing to spend $15-$20 more, the MRC Superbrain 989 would be a pretty good choice IMO. It does 1s to 8s lipo and comes with a nice power supply. I haven't heard any negative things about it. I'm thinking about getting one to replace my ICE charger (which is also a great charger.

Here's a link:
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXLTW4&P=ML



5. How can I make a battery tray? Where can I buy one if I can't get materials?

If you can't get materials, I think Mike does custom work. From what I've seen, it looks really nice and pretty durable. There are a few pics of his work in this thread:

http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8292

Hope that helps a little.

-Brad

As far as the battery tray question, I just cut out the shape from a flat 1.5mm to 2mm thick 6061-T6 Aluminum using a dremel, nibbling tool, and files. Then, using a vice and hammer, I bend up the "tabs" to form the walls. Once the holes are drilled and the tray painted, I add some 1/8" thick craft foam as padding. Has worked great for me so far, but is a pain to make.

My Hyper8, Jato, and CRT.5 use this type of tray and you can see some pictures in the "My Brushless Conversions" link in my sig.

Here is a close-up of a work-in-progress. The bottom one is the one I made, the top one is a shoddy version I had a local shop make (yuk).

...right now i am in two minds as to which direction to take with new battery purchases...And with the MM looking ever closer and EVERYTHING we expect it to be lipo is on the 'Possible' list...

...I have great respect for GlassDoctor and this cleared up one of my bigger questions...Thanks for that...I still dont FULLY understand what i CAN and cant use though :( I will keep reading :oops:

Thanks a ton guys. I appreciate the help.

I think I've found a charger: http://www.maxamps.com/Eos5i-AC-DC.htm

I've heard good things about it, and for 2s packs, it should be more than enough.

I would recommend against the MRC chargers, as I have had many problems with them in the past. I prefer Hyperion chargers, and 140 is in your price range for the new 0606i coming out that charges 6s lipo and has a balancer built right in. It also plugs into a wall.

Now that is something I would want to look into. I wonder how it will compare to a charger with an external balancer.

Right now I am using a Superbrian 989 with a Hyperion LBA10, and I love it. Works flawlessly. My only complaint is that there are a lot of wires to connect. :lol: Its easy to connect, just a pain in the ass. :lol: Which is why I'd like to see how this charger will do...

It is just the combo of the 5i charger and the lba10 balancer in one box, so it should charge very well. Now I have no lazy excuses for not balancing while charging, I hate bringing my balancer with me when I go out. They also have a 250w no power supply version coming out too, the 0610 or something. You can even connect two of them together for 12s charging and balancing.

AWESOME! I guess I should just hold off then. This stinks though, as now it will be a while 'till I can run my Tek18 :(. Any links to info on dates, etc. for it? Thanks a ton!

They are already available at allerc and my store will be carrying them too. Since Mike carries Hyperion you could probably get them through him too.

http://www.allerc.com/product_info.p...oducts_id=3367

That charger looks great, and the price is great too.

Is that "50w" the power limit? Seems a bit low for a 6s/6A charger IMO if so. You can only charge a 2s pack at 6A before you hit the power limit...

50w with the internal power supply, probably more with an external. The 0610 version will do 250w as long as the PS puts it out.

That makes more sense...

Sweet! Thanks a ton man! BrianG, thanks for bringing up the power limit, as that is why I avoided the 0505i at first, but now that I'm getting 2 2s packs, I should be fine on AC.

Thanks a ton guys!

Don't forget, jrh said it was only with the internal PS. With an external 12v supply, he said the limit was 250w...

Yup, but I can't afford a power supply now so....

Heres A Thought.
 

The Superbrain 989 comes with the multi voltage AC/DC external power supply and it can handle just about any battery you may use. You can purchase it at Tower Hobby. I bought mine there at the retail price of $135. and used the usual advertised discount of $30. So the whole kit cost me $105 and I get free shipping. If you can beat that then go for it. I think it is a pretty good charger for the money.

If a power supply is holding you back, this thread may help you. But the 989 might be a bette idea...

Thanks for the link Brian and thanks for the advice Jerry, but I already read that thread and I've read some compatibility problems with the 989, and I'd rather get the built in balancer. Plus, the 989 is now 5 bucks more than the 06 at tower.

I think I'm just going to stick with the 06


EDIT: How are the new neu energy packs? They seem pretty cheap for a 25c pack:

http://www.rc-monster.com/proddetail...eu25c4s5000car